of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, families and survivors gathered as they have every year in new york, virginia and pennsylvania to honor the 2,752 victims who died. near ground zero, family members read each name of loved ones lost. >> my father. >> reporter: and at times, the public ceremony included personal and emotional tributes. >> we love you and life has not been the same. >> reporter: family members, firefighters and first responders also walked down into the ground zero construction site, carrying photos and laying flowers in the reflecting pool. the day of reflection and remembrance was not overshadowed by the recent controversy over a proposed islamic center near ground zero or threats by a florida pastor to burn copies of the koran if the center was not moved. on the "today" show, pastor terry jones vowed he would not carry out those plans. >> we're not going to go back and do it. it is totally canceled. >> reporter: at the pentagon, president obama alluded to the controversies and emphasized the need for americans to recapture the spirit of unity. >> the highest honor we can pay t